India Edge Japan by Two Runs in Rain-Hit T20I
India survive a tense five-over contest in Nagoya after rain reduces the one-off match against the hosts.
NAGOYA, Sept 22: India defeated hosts Japan by two runs in a rain affected one off T20 International at the Sano International Cricket Ground on Tuesday. The match was reduced to five overs per side because of persistent rain.
India were pushed hard by Japan in the shortened contest but managed to hold their nerve in the final stages to secure a narrow victory. The result marked India’s 200th T20 International win, including victories achieved through Super Overs.
The encounter produced a close finish after Japan mounted pressure in the reduced chase. India ultimately protected its small advantage to complete the two-run victory.
The match was notable for the contrasting conditions, with the rain forcing both teams to adapt quickly to the five over format. The result also provided Japan with an opportunity to test itself against one of the leading teams in international cricket.
India’s narrow win came on the same day that its women’s team claimed gold in the Asian Games T20 final against Sri Lanka.
